Just Four Things: Denmark Vs. France

Credits: Squawka Football

C For the B-Team

With qualification assured to the round of 16, manager Didier Deschamps can afford to make a few changes, dropping the likes of Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe and Benjamin Pavard for Steve Nzonzi, Thomas Lemar and Presnel Kimpembe. Still, a few mainstays like Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud retained their places in the starting line-up.

It was a chance for those talented fringe players to make their case to start for the knockout stages. But no one that was given that first start shined in this match (Although Nabil Fekir came on the bench and offered some liveliness in this energy-sapping game). It may be because they’re already in the next round, but the problem is this team full of great players have not exactly shined in all three of their group matches. Will we finally see them at their best in the knockout stages?

Denmark’s Approach

On the other hand, Denmark knew they only needed a point to wrap up second spot, despite fielding a strong line-up. Still they played with a gameplan in mind, although it was glaringly obvious given the situation in the group. France did attack. They really did. But Denmark committed so many numbers in the box and not let any ball in.

Once Denmark do get the ball, they played ‘Route One Football’ counter going forward. Which means that either the goalkeeper or one of the defenders to boot the ball up the field and hope one of their forwards can do something to breakthrough. Alas, nothing was gained much of it in this match. But whoever finishes as Group D winners (Which is most likely Croatia), will take notice of this.

Breath Of Fresh Air

Martin Braithwaite was called in to replace the suspended Yussuf Poulsen. All of the back-up players on both sides that were bought in for this match, it was Braithwaite who was the most impressive. Once he made his presence known, he ran like the wind down on the right flank, giving Lucas Hernandez a tough time to deal with him.

It took a few players to stifle him before delivers service to his fellow forwards. But Braithwaite may have put his manager on notice for at least giving his best in his position.

The First Goalless Draw. Yay! (Not)

There it is. After the 38 games setting a new record in World Cup history, we got out first goalless draw. Do we really need to say more?

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